Exploring the Legend with Researcher Kyle Brink
High in the misty forests of Mount Hiba, strange sightings have persisted for decades—of a large, ape-like creature, covered in black or reddish-brown fur, with glaring eyes and a foul smell. Locals call it the Hibagon (ヒバゴン), and some say it’s Japan’s answer to Bigfoot.
In this week’s episode of the Supernatural Japan podcast, we sit down with Hibagon expert and author Kyle Brink, who has spent years researching this elusive creature. His book offers the most comprehensive look at the Hibagon to date—covering historical sightings, folklore connections, and theories ranging from cryptid to cultural phenomenon.
🎧 Listen to the episode now: Hibagon – Japan’s Bigfoot (feat. Kyle Brink) →
What Is the Hibagon?
The Hibagon is a cryptid said to roam the forests of Hiroshima Prefecture, particularly around Mount Hiba, near the town of Saijō. Descriptions vary, but common details include:
- Height: 5 to 6 feet tall
- Appearance: Hairy, ape-like or gorilla-like, with white hands and large, glaring eyes
- Behavior: Elusive, non-aggressive, and often fleeing from humans
- First major sightings: 1970s, often involving farmers or hikers
Like its North American cousin, the Hibagon has become a regional legend, sparking speculation, media attention, and ongoing investigations.
Highlights from Our Interview with Kyle Brink
Kyle Brink’s passion for cryptozoology and Japanese folklore shines throughout our conversation. In the podcast episode, we cover:
- 📜 Historical Reports – The rise in Hibagon sightings during the 1970s and how the creature captured national attention in Japan
- 📍 Field Research – Kyle’s firsthand trips to Mount Hiba and interviews with locals who claim to have seen the Hibagon
- 🧠 Cultural Context – How post-war Japan, local folklore, and even yokai traditions may have shaped the legend
- 📚 His Book on the Hibagon – Why he wrote it, and what makes the Hibagon uniquely Japanese despite its Bigfoot similarities
Whether you’re a fan of cryptids, yokai, or supernatural mysteries, this episode provides a rare, in-depth look into one of Japan’s most compelling creatures.
Sightings and Theories
Though the Hibagon hasn’t been spotted in recent years as frequently as during its heyday, many researchers and locals believe the legend lives on.
Common theories include:
- 🐵 An escaped primate or undiscovered species
- 🌲 A misidentified bear or monkey
- 🧙 A folkloric figure rooted in ancient mountain kami or yokai
- 👣 A cultural mirror of Western Bigfoot myths—transplanted and localized
Kyle Brink dives deep into these ideas in both his book and our podcast interview.
Visit the Land of the Hibagon
If you’re interested in tracking Japan’s Bigfoot for yourself:
- 📍 Location: Mt. Hiba, Shōbara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- 🚶♂️ Things to Do: Hiking, local folklore tours, visiting Saijō town
- 📚 Look for: Local museum displays, souvenir shops with Hibagon merchandise, and maybe—just maybe—a trail in the forest
Listen to the Full Episode on Supernatural Japan
🎙️ Episode Title: Hibagon – Japan’s Bigfoot (feat. Kyle Brink)
📚 Guest: Kyle Brink, author of Hibagon: Japanese Bigfoot
🎧 Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify |
This episode is a must-listen for fans of cryptids, paranormal mysteries, and the ways folklore evolves through culture and time.
Final Thoughts
The Hibagon might not be as globally famous as Bigfoot, but its legend is uniquely Japanese. Whether it’s a cryptid hiding in the forests or a reflection of cultural anxieties and forgotten traditions, the Hibagon still inspires curiosity, skepticism, and fascination today.
Explore the mountain trails, listen to the locals—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll glimpse something impossible.
For more mysterious tales from across Japan—including ghost stories, yokai, cryptids, and real historical legends—subscribe to the Supernatural Japan podcast. We bring the shadows of Japan to light, one episode at a time.
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